After DWI Charge, Colts' Irsay Heads to Rehab

The family of Colts owner Jim Irsay said today that he has placed himself in a treatment facility after police found multiple prescription drugs in his vehicle during a traffic stop. The 54-year-old Irsay, who acknowledged a painkiller dependency more than a decade ago, faces preliminary charges of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested near his home in suburban Carmel late Sunday and released the next day. "Yesterday, Jim Irsay took the first step toward regaining good health," the family said in the statement. "He voluntarily checked into a highly-respected health care facility and is committed to undergoing the treatment and care necessary to help him meet his challenges head-on."

If Irsay is charged and convicted on the felony counts, he could face six months to three years in prison on each count. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Andre Miksha said yesterday that no decision had been made on formal charges and a hearing was set for March 26. An NFL spokesman said Irsay is subject to discipline but didn't elaborate on what that might be. (More Jim Irsay stories.)